A nurse is performing an electrocardiogram on a client who has been experiencing chest pain over the past week or so. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the patient prior to the test?
"I will need to apply electrodes to your chest and extremities."
"You may feel a slight tingling while the test is being done."
"The radioactivity from the dye lasts only a few hours."
"The test will be complete in 30 to 60 minutes."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "I will need to apply electrodes to your chest and extremities." This is a correct statement. The nurse needs to apply electrodes to the chest and extremities in order to obtain the ECG reading.
B. "You may feel a slight tingling while the test is being done." An ECG is a non-invasive test and does not cause any sensation such as tingling. This statement is inaccurate.
C. "The radioactivity from the dye lasts only a few hours." There is no dye or radioactivity involved in a standard ECG. This statement would apply to imaging studies like a nuclear stress test, not an ECG.
D. "The test will be complete in 30 to 60 minutes." A standard ECG takes only a few minutes to complete. This statement would be inaccurate for this type of procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Low sodium diet: A low sodium diet is generally beneficial for clients with heart disease or hypertension and poses no risk to a client with a pacemaker.
B. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strength and is safe for clients with pacemakers, though the affected arm should be limited initially.
C. MRI of the chest: MRI is contraindicated for clients with most types of pacemakers due to the risk of interference with the pacemaker’s function. Newer MRI-compatible pacemakers are available, but this should be clarified with the provider.
D. Serum cardiac enzyme levels: Checking serum cardiac enzymes is standard for clients with a history of heart disease or chest pain and poses no risk to pacemaker function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Check the client's blood pressure: Digoxin primarily affects the heart rate and rhythm, not the blood pressure. Therefore, while BP monitoring is important, it's not required before giving digoxin.
B. Offer the client a light snack: Digoxin can be taken with or without food, so this is not a necessary action before administration.
C. Measure the client's apical pulse : It is important to check the apical pulse for one full minute before administering digoxin. If the heart rate is below 60 bpm, the nurse should withhold the medication and notify the provider.
D. Weigh the client: Weighing the client may be necessary for monitoring fluid balance in heart failure, but it is not a specific action required before administering digoxin.
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